Dogger's Christmas
Dogger Series
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
In this heartwarming sequel to the beloved picture book 'Dogger', Dave and his favorite stuffed toy, Dogger, experience the joys and excitement of Christmas. The story captures the spirit of the season through the eyes of Dave and his family as they prepare for the holiday and embrace the magic of giving and sharing. This magical follow-up, over 40 years after the original was published, revisits the special bond between a boy and his cherished toy during the festive season. Amidst the carol-singing, tree-decorating, and present-opening, Dave is faced with the excitement of new toys, raising the question of whether he will forget about his old friend, Dogger. The narrative encapsulates the essence of Christmas and highlights the enduring love for a treasured toy that always manages to be found.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Dave felt when he lost Dogger? Have you ever felt the same way about a lost toy?
Why is it important to help others, like Bella helped Dave find Dogger?
What does the book teach us about the spirit of giving and sharing during Christmas?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel? What is your favorite part of the Christmas celebration depicted?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions by relating personal experiences to Dave’s story. Reinforce the value of empathy by discussing the importance of helping others and sharing. Use the festive illustrations to talk about family traditions and what makes their Christmas special, fostering a deeper connection through shared experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and sharing
Explanation: In 'Dogger's Christmas,' the protagonist Dave demonstrates kindness by sharing his beloved toy, Dogger, which showcases the spirit of giving and sharing during Christmas.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own toys and belongings with friends or siblings, fostering a sense of generosity and empathy.
Example Lesson: The value of family and togetherness
Explanation: The story emphasizes the joy of family gatherings and the warmth they bring during the holiday season, as Dave spends Christmas with his family.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and cherish the moments spent with family, understanding the importance of familial support and unity in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts with empathy
Explanation: When Dave faces the challenge of potentially losing Dogger, the situation is resolved with understanding and compassion from those around him, teaching conflict resolution through empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to handle disputes with siblings or friends calmly and empathetically, promoting peaceful resolutions in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Dave's happiness when he is reunited with Dogger also comes from the joy of giving and receiving gifts that are truly meaningful, highlighting the emotional value of thoughtful giving.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering what others appreciate and cherish when giving gifts, enhancing their emotional intelligence and strengthening relationships.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss and resilience
Explanation: Dave experiences distress when Dogger goes missing, but his resilience in coping with this loss and his eventual reunion with Dogger highlights the themes of resilience and recovery.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it is normal to feel sad about losing something valuable, but it’s also important to seek help and find ways to cope, demonstrating resilience in challenging situations.